VANDALS carried out more than 100 attacks on North Wales railway lines last year new figures reveal.

Although the number of crimes has dropped the detail shows many of the youngsters committing the offences are putting their lives at risk.

Shotton station was reported to be a crime hotspot with 17 reported attacks last year, up from 10 the previous year.

British Transport police officers found youths playing football at the trackside and children throwing stones at a train near the Britannia Bridge which links Anglesey to the mainland. Station staff also spotted youths pulling cable across the track at Gwersyllt near Wrexham while youngsters were also reported to be trying to set fire to seating on a train at Holyhead.

Train drivers and members of the public reported many instances of children on the tracks including two spotted playing a game on the track at Flint last December while another girl was reported walking into one of the tunnels at Bangor.

Now rail chiefs are launching a crackdown on youths trespassing on tracks The No Messin' campaign aims to highlight the dangers of playing on or near rail lines as youngsters break for the Easter holidays.

Network Rail spokesman Alan Milne said: "We’re seeing some real success in bringing down the levels of railway crime in hotspot areas, but there is much more work to be done to save lives and prevent needless injury.

"We are working hard to tackle the most dangerous crimes where young people think it is fun to play "chicken" with a 200 tonne train going at 100mph or place objects on the line, which could have catastrophic consequences."

British Transport Police deputy chief constable Andy Trotter said the number of incidents increase between 4pm and 7pm and during school holidays.

He said: "Young people are responsible for nearly 40% of crimes on the railway. Whilst the minority, young people take more risks and their actions are more dangerous.

"Adult crimes tend to be more platform-to-platform trespass and taking short cuts.

"We welcome the news crime is down in the areas targeted by Network Rail. While the figures represent good progress, we are not going to be complacent and will continue to work closely with our partners to reduce crime further.

"Our officers work tirelessly alongside Network Rail to educate youngsters that the railway is no playground."